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GTN Series Planetary Gear Speed Reducer – Application-Based Selection Guide
◆When selecting a planetary gear speed reducer for industrial applications, it is essential to consider not only power and speed but also the unique demands of each sector—compact installation spaces, high torque density, frequent start-stop cycles, and diverse environmental conditions. Below is a practical selection guide based on real-world applications of the HelmeDrive GTN Series Planetary Gear Speed Reducer—built on real-world data, so you can choose with confidence.
◆The HelmeDrive GTN Series is a modular planetary gear reducer designed for a wide range of industrial applications. It features a highly flexible modular system with in-line and right-angle versions, covering 18 frame sizes with power ranges from 0.25 kW to 20 kW (in-line) and 0.25 kW to 7 kW (right-angle). Output torque capacities reach up to 520,000 N·m for in-line units and 400,000 N·m for right-angle units, with reduction ratios from 3.4:1 to 290:1 (in-line) and 7:1 to 95:1 (right-angle). Key features include:
n High-quality die-cast aluminum alloy housing (sizes up to 090) and cast iron housing (larger sizes) with optimized cooling fins
n Hardened and precision-ground gears (case-hardened, surface hardness up to HRC 58–62)
n High torque density and excellent overhung load capacity due to heavy-duty tapered roller bearings
n Multiple input configurations: coaxial input, bevel gear input, helical gear input, bevel-helical input
n Multiple output types: solid keyed shaft, hollow shaft with shrink disc, splined hollow shaft, flanged output
n Universal mounting positions (horizontal, vertical, torque arm)
n Lifetime lubrication option available for certain models
▼Product Overview
Parameter | HelmeDrive GTN Series |
Frame Sizes | 00, 01, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 09, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21 |
Configuration | In-line (L) and right-angle (R) |
Power Range | In-line: 0.25 – 20 kW; Right-angle: 0.25 – 7 kW |
Output Torque Range | In-line: up to520,000 N·m; Right-angle: up to400,000 N·m |
Reduction Ratios | In-line: 3.4 – 290; Right-angle: 7 – 95 |
Number of Stages | 1 to 4 stages (depending on version) |
Input Types | Coaxial (L), bevel (R), helical (S), bevel-helical (L2/L3) |
Output Types | Solid keyed shaft (LK), hollow shaft with shrink disc (LSH), splined hollow shaft (HK), flanged output (LP) |
Mounting Positions | Horizontal (B3, B6, B7, B8), vertical (V5, V6), torque arm |
Lubrication | Dip lubrication (standard); forced lubrication optional; lifetime synthetic oil available |
Ambient Temperature | -20°C to +40°C (with special lubricants for extremes) |
Housing Material | Aluminum alloy (sizes ≤ 090); cast iron (sizes ≥ 110) |
Applicable Standards | Designed to ISO, DIN, AGMA equivalents |
Note: For detailed ratings, please refer to the technical tables.
▼Application Areas (Derived from Driven Machine Classifications and Real-World Examples)
The table below summarizes key application sectors and typical machinery types where GTN Series reducers excel, based on industry-standard load classification and documented application examples.
Industry / Application | Typical Driven Machines | Load Characteristics | Selection Focus |
Sheet Metal Forming | Press brakes, Plate bending machines, Shears | High starting torque, reversing, shock loads | High torque density, low backlash, brake compatibility |
Mixing & Agitation | Stirrers, Agitators, Mixers (chemical, food, pharmaceutical) | Variable load, frequent start-stop, corrosion | Corrosion protection, smooth operation, vertical mounting options |
Material Handling | Conveyors, Bucket elevators, Screw conveyors | Continuous duty, high radial loads | High radial load capacity, hollow shaft option, backstop |
Construction Machinery | Rotary drilling rigs (hoist winches), Tower cranes, Crawler cranes, Truck cranes | Heavy shock, peak torque, safety-critical | Safety factor, brake compatibility, compact design |
Marine & Offshore | Winches, Mooring systems, Deck cranes | Corrosive environment, shock loads, compact space | Corrosion protection, seal integrity, high torque density |
Mining & Quarrying | Crushers, Apron feeders, Stacker-reclaimers | Extreme shock, dust, high ambient temperature | Case-hardened gears, forced lubrication, thermal rating |
Special Applications | Solar tracking, Medical equipment, Textile machinery, Printing presses | Precise positioning, variable speed, quiet operation | Low backlash, VFD compatibility, quiet operation |
1. Sheet Metal Forming & Press Brake Applications
Common Pain Points:
n High peak torque during bending and shearing operations
n Frequent reversing and rapid acceleration/deceleration
n Need for precise positioning and low backlash
n Compact installation in machine frames
Selection Recommendations:
Selection Parameter | Recommended Feature | Why It Matters |
Backlash | Low backlash option (precision grade) | Ensures accurate positioning and repeatability |
Starting Torque | High starting torque capacity (M2max) | Handles peak loads during material deformation |
Brake Integration | DC brake or hydraulic brake option | Provides safe holding and emergency stop |
Mounting Flexibility | Foot-mounted or flange-mounted (LP) | Adapts to press brake frame designs |
Overload Capacity | Service factor f1, f2, f3 selection | Ensures long life under shock loads |
2. Mixing & Agitation Applications
Applications include:Stirrers in chemical reactors, Food mixers, Pharmaceutical agitators, Wastewater treatment mixers
Common Pain Points:
n Variable torque due to viscosity changes
n Vertical mounting with motor above tank
n Corrosive environment from chemicals or cleaning agents
n Smooth, vibration-free operation required
Selection Recommendations:
Selection Parameter | Recommended Feature | Why It Matters |
Input Type | Right-angle (R) with motor flange | Allows horizontal motor mounting with vertical output |
Seal Protection | Heavy-duty seals; epoxy coating available | Resists chemicals and washdown |
Lubrication | Vertical mounting compensation tank option | Ensures upper bearing lubrication |
Smooth Operation | Precision-ground gears, low noise | Minimizes vibration transmitted to process |
Housing Material | Cast iron with corrosion-resistant paint | Long life in aggressive environments |
3. Conveyor & Material Handling Applications
Applications include:Belt conveyors, Bucket elevators, Screw conveyors, Apron feeders, Escalators
Common Pain Points:
n High radial loads from pulleys and sprockets
n Continuous operation in dusty environments
n Need for reliable sealing and backstop
n Space constraints requiring hollow shaft mounting
Selection Recommendations:
Selection Parameter | Recommended Feature | Why It Matters |
Output Type | Hollow shaft with shrink disc (LSH) | Direct mounting on conveyor shaft saves space |
Radial Load Capacity | Heavy-duty tapered roller bearings | Supports pulley and belt tension |
Backstop Option | Integrated backstop (SSP/NSP for certain models) | Prevents reverse rotation on inclined conveyors |
Seal Protection | Double lip seals, labyrinth seals | Keeps dust and debris out |
Thermal Rating | Check PG against actual load | Avoids overheating in continuous duty |
4. Hoisting & Crane Applications
Applications include:Winches, Hoist drives, Crane travel mechanisms, Slewing gears, Lifting mechanisms
Common Pain Points:
n High starting torque under load
n Safety requirements for load holding
n Shock loads during acceleration/braking
n Compact installation in crane machinery houses
Selection Recommendations:
Selection Parameter | Recommended Feature | Why It Matters |
Safety Factor | Sf ≥ 1.4recommended for hoisting (Table 6) | Provides margin against peak loads |
Brake Compatibility | Hydraulic multidisc brake option (with release pressure specified) | Ensures safe holding and emergency stop |
Shock Load Capacity | Case-hardened gears (HRC 58–62) | Withstands impacts from load pickup |
Compact Design | In-line or right-angle with flange output | Saves space in crane end carriages |
Backstop Option | Backstop for single-direction operation | Prevents load back-driving when motor is off |
5. Marine & Offshore Applications
Applications include:Mooring winches, Deck cranes, Towing winches, Anchor handling systems
Common Pain Points:
n Corrosive saltwater environment
n Shock loads from wave action
n Limited space on deck
n Need for high reliability with minimal maintenance
Selection Recommendations:
Selection Parameter | Recommended Feature | Why It Matters |
Corrosion Protection | Corrosion-resistant coatings (consult HelmeDrive) | Withstands saltwater and humidity |
Seal Protection | Heavy-duty seals with water-resistant grease | Prevents seawater ingress |
Torque Density | High torque-to-weight ratio | Fits in limited deck space |
Duty Cycle | Service factor based on intermittent operation | Ensures long life under cyclic loading |
★Technical Specifications Reference
*Note: For complete data, consult HelmeDrive engineering.
★Understanding HelmeDrive GTN Model Designation
Example: GTN15L3-BS-50-B532-96-N
Code Element | Description | Options |
GTN | Series | GTN |
15 | Frame size | 00–21 |
L3 | Type / stages | L (in-line), R (right-angle); number indicates stages (1–4) |
BS | Output type | BS (solid keyed shaft), B (hollow with shrink disc), LK (keyed), LSH (hollow), HK (splined), LP (flange) |
50 | Nominal ratio | 3.4–290 |
B532 | Mounting position | See mounting position charts |
96 | Accessories | 96 (base), 75/76 (torque arm), 70 (motor flange), etc. |
N | Rotation direction | N (counter-clockwise), S (clockwise) |
★What to Know Before You Buy
▶Choose the right configuration– GTN series offers in-line (L) for coaxial drives and right-angle (R) for space-saving 90° layouts. Select based on your machine’s layout and available space.
▶Select the correct stage count– Use 1-stage for low ratios (up to 10), 2-stage for medium ratios (10–70), 3-stage for higher ratios (70–300), and 4-stage for very high ratios (>300). The number of stages affects efficiency and torque capacity.
▶Account for service factors– Multiply the required output torque or power by f1 (driven machine coefficient) based on load type and daily operating hours. Adjust for ambient temperature using f4 (thermal factor) from table A1. For safety-critical applications (hoisting), use Sf ≥ 1.4(Table 6).
▶Check thermal power for continuous duty– For applications running more than 60% of the time, calculate P_G = P_G1 × f4 × f14 and ensure P₂ ≤ P_G. If not, consider forced lubrication, cooling fan (SV option), or a larger gearbox.
▶Mounting position affects lubrication– GTN reducers can be mounted in any orientation, but vertical mounting (V5, V6) may require a compensation tank to ensure upper bearings are lubricated. For B5…1 positions, consult HelmeDrive. Always specify the mounting position when ordering.
▶Consider radial and axial loads– The output shaft is designed for high overhung loads, but you must check the permissible radial load Rn2 based on the load application point X and expected lifetime. Use the load diagrams and adjust with fL and fn factors.
▶Backstop option– For inclined conveyors, elevators, or hoists where reverse rotation is unacceptable, specify the backstop option (SSP/NSP for GTP2K/GTP3K models). Note that backstops are unidirectional; specify rotation direction.
▶Lubrication is not included– GTN reducers are delivered without oil. Fill with the recommended oil (ISO VG 150–460 depending on ambient temperature) to the correct level as indicated by the oil level plug. Refer to the oil quantity tables for your specific mounting position.
▶Let HelmeDrive help with selection– With 18 frame sizes, multiple input/output types, and extensive accessory options, proper sizing requires accurate load data. Send your application parameters—load characteristics, required output torque/speed, input power available, mounting position, duty cycle, and environmental conditions—to HelmeDrive 📩 shawn.zhu@helmedrive.com for precise gearbox sizing.
By matching your selection to your actual working conditions and operational challenges, you ensure longer equipment life, lower maintenance costs, and higher system reliability.HelmeDrive is committed to providing robust, efficient solutions tailored to your industrial needs.